searchpilot vs google-optimize-legacy
SearchPilot vs Google Optimize — features, pricing, and which to choose for your SEO workflow in 2026.
Quick Verdict
This comparison is largely academic since Google discontinued Optimize in September 2023, but it's worth understanding for teams transitioning from the now-defunct Google tool. SearchPilot emerged as the enterprise alternative for SEO-focused A/B testing, while Google Optimize was the accessible entry point that many teams used before its sunset.
The fundamental difference lies in their approach: SearchPilot was built specifically for SEO testing with features like search result snippet testing and SERP-level experiments, while Google Optimize was a general-purpose conversion optimization tool that teams adapted for SEO use cases.
Feature Comparison
SearchPilot offers dedicated SEO testing capabilities that Google Optimize never matched. You can test title tags and meta descriptions directly in search results, run server-side SEO experiments, and measure organic traffic impact with statistical significance testing. SearchPilot's platform includes automated traffic allocation, advanced segmentation by device and geography, and integration with enterprise SEO tools like Botify and ContentKing. Google Optimize, by contrast, was designed primarily for conversion rate optimization with basic A/B testing functionality. While teams could technically test on-page SEO elements, it lacked native SERP testing, organic traffic measurement, or SEO-specific reporting. The tool required manual setup for most SEO experiments and offered limited statistical rigor for organic search metrics. SearchPilot also provides enterprise-grade governance features like experiment approval workflows, team collaboration tools, and detailed audit trails — capabilities that Google Optimize's free tier never included.
Pricing Comparison
Google Optimize was completely free, making it attractive for budget-conscious teams despite its limitations. The paid Google Optimize 360 version (also discontinued) started around $150,000 annually but was bundled with other Google Marketing Platform tools. SearchPilot operates on custom enterprise pricing, typically starting in the five-figure range annually. While significantly more expensive than the free Google tool, SearchPilot's pricing reflects its specialized SEO focus and enterprise feature set. The investment makes sense for larger sites where a single successful SEO experiment can generate substantial revenue.
Best For
SearchPilot is the better choice for enterprise websites serious about SEO testing. If you're running a large e-commerce site, media property, or any business where organic search drives significant revenue, SearchPilot's specialized features and statistical rigor justify the cost. It's essential for teams that need to prove SEO impact with data-driven experiments. Google Optimize was the better choice for small teams or those just starting with SEO testing, purely due to its free pricing and Google ecosystem integration. However, since it's discontinued, teams in this situation should consider alternatives like RankerX or even manual testing approaches.
The Verdict
With Google Optimize sunset, SearchPilot stands as the clear leader for enterprise SEO testing, though its enterprise pricing limits accessibility. Teams previously using Google Optimize face a significant cost jump to maintain testing capabilities, but SearchPilot's specialized SEO features make it worth the investment for businesses where organic search is mission-critical. Smaller teams may need to explore other solutions or build internal testing frameworks until more accessible SEO testing tools emerge.